Gov’t lawyer: ‘Edca not the answer to all our problems’

The BRP Sierra Madre, a fleet marine detachment in Ayungin Shoal. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines—Government lawyers have admitted that even with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), the US cannot guarantee that it will come to the Philippine’s aid over its territorial rift with China.

During Tuesday’s oral argument, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio asked acting Solicitor General Florin Hilbay if the country could invoke Edca in case China attacked BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine ship that serves as the country’s frontline of defense in the Spratlys.

Hilbay said President Benigno Aquino III could invoke Edca, but added that “it really depends on the US if they will come to our aid or not.

“There is no guarantee that the Americans will come to our aid if we invoke it. So, what does this guarantee?” Carpio asked.

Hilbay said Edca would improve the Philippines’ military facilities.

“We cannot depend on a third country. For purposes of defense, we can only rely on ourselves,” Carpio said. He added that “I just want you to understand [that] even if we declare Edca constitutional, it does not mean US will defend us because there is no such thing as guarantee.”

Hilbay said “Edca is not the answer to all our problems.”

While he expressed hopes that the US will change its mind on its stand that it will stay away from territorial disputes, Hilbay said “we do what we do and we do what we can. Hope is free.”

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